The Purus, Russas and Valparaiso Projects involve numerous local and international partners that will collectively protect more than 250,000 acres in the Amazon Rainforest – the world’s largest rainforest - from slash-and-burn forest clearing and prevent millions of tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions.

Avoided deforestation projects are critical because about 15 percent of global warming is attributed to deforestation, which reduces the Earth's capacity to absorb carbon dioxide. Moreover, fallen trees decompose and release methane, a heat-trapping gas about 23 times more potent than CO2.

The Purus Project was successfully validated to the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) and to the Climate, Community and Biodiversity Standard (CCBS) with Gold Distinction in January 2013 and was then successfully verified in December 2013. The Purus Project is now being reviewed again for verification to the VCS and CCBS to assess the Project’s performance from January 1, 2013 to December 31, 2013.

The Russas and Valparaiso Projects were successfully validated to the VCS and CCBS with Gold Distinction in March and July 2014. Both Projects are now being reviewed for verification to the VCS and CCBS to assess the Projects’ performance from March 2011 to December 2013.

The Purus, Russas and Valparaiso Projects are Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Degradation (REDD+) projects that mitigate deforestation, preserve extraordinary biodiversity, and provide alternative economic opportunities to local communities. Social projects and activities to mitigate deforestation pressures and benefit the local communities include, but are not limited to: agricultural extension training, forest patrols of potential deforestation sites, improving local schools and health clinics, and eventually building better houses and installing solar photovoltaic panels for the local communities to improve their livelihoods.

The Purus, Russas and Valparaiso Projects will also provide a variety of essential ecosystem services such as: erosion and flood control; water cycling, filtration and storage; oxygen production and nutrient recycling; genetic repository for medicinal plants; and habitat for thousands of native Amazonian animal (including scarlet macaws and Amazon River dolphins) and plant species.

Pakpour Consulting Group believes that environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility, and as civil engineers tasked with providing safe, clean water and air to the communities it serves, PCG chose to be at the forefront of the fight against global warming and hope to lead other civil engineering firms to follow suit so it can become the first industry to achieve carbon neutrality.

“As a certified green business in Alameda County, going to a zero carbon footprint was the natural next step for us. Environmental stewardship is everyone's responsibility, and as civil engineers tasked with providing safe, clean water and air to our communities we should be at the forefront of the fight against global warming,” stated Joubin Pakpour, P.E., president of Pakpour Consulting Group. “We hope other civil engineering firms will follow suit so we can become the first industry to achieve a zero footprint.”

"Carbonfund.org’s mission is to improve the world by helping people reduce their environmental footprint. Their goal is to provide a forum for the massive and growing, but mostly unconnected majority of people – whether they think of themselves as citizens or business people, parents or consumers, activists or theorists who want to do the right thing. Action is impossible without information. Pakpour Consulting Group is proud to be working with Carbonfund.org."

Since 2007, Pakpour Consulting Group has monitored, measured and ultimately neutralized its environmental footprint. Pakpour Consulting Group offsets the carbon emissions used in producing its supplies such as paper and packaging and its office electricity by supporting Carbonfund.org’s carbon reduction, clean air technology and forest preservation projects. In the past five years, Pakpour Consulting Group has neutralized over 500,000 pounds of greenhouse gas emissions through Carbonfund.org – the same quantity of emissions produced by the average passenger car driving almost 550,000 miles.

“As part of this process we scrutinized almost all of our day to day operations and through innovative approaches, we now recycle 80% of our waste and have reduced our paper usage by 13% while the company has doubled in size,” stated Pakpour.

In addition to the operational emissions measurement, reduction and mitigation, Pakpour Consulting Group is helping to restore the natural resources used to manufacture paper and other office supplies through tree planting, watershed restoration and conservation projects. Carbonfund.org appreciates the commitment to environmental leadership and action that Pakpour Consulting Group continues to demonstrate through these company-wide efforts.

From the flow of water to the flow of revenue, NBS helps facilitate the intricate balancing act that keeps communities running fiscally strong. NBS consultants and engineers have provided focused financial consulting, assessment engineering, special assessment software, ongoing special assessment, tax and fee administration, and related support to over 300 public agencies. The ultimate goal of NBS is to ensure quality results for the local public agencies it serves so that they are seen as serving their constituents in an exemplary manner.

NBS is also committed to being part of the solution to avoid overuse of resources in our economy today, striving to be good business partners with its local government clients.

Tim Seufert, Managing Director of NBS, put it very plainly: "Being “green” is good for our planet, our people and our bottom line. What can we do about global warming and our significant impact on the environment? We can simply lessen our business impact on the environment."

In 2007, NBS began measuring and neutralizing the carbon emissions associated with its office energy consumption and business-related travel. NBS’s support of Carbonfund.org helps fight the effects of climate change through innovative projects such as the Tensas River reforestation project in Louisiana that absorbs carbon dioxide in the atmosphere as well as the Truck Stop Electrification project that has enabled truckers to reduce tailpipe emissions, saving a gallon of diesel per hour.

Over the past seven years, NBS has mitigated the effects of 875,000 pounds of carbon emissions through its support of Carbonfund.org’s carbon reduction projects. This equates to removing the carbon dioxide produced by burning almost 45,000 gallons of gasoline.

In addition to neutralizing carbon emissions from unavoidable business travel and office energy usage, NBS continues to reduce its operational impact on the environment by:

• Minimizing usage of disposable materials by minimizing hard copy printouts in presentations and using dishware in the office instead of paper and plastic;

• Recycling paper and most food and beverage containers;

• Purchasing “good” paper and printing services, such as recycled paper and paper that meets the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards; and

• Prescribing to Carbonfund.org’s motto of “reduce what you can, offset what you can’t™” by minimizing travel via technology and online conferencing tools in lieu of physical travel.

NBS is a great example of a consultancy focused on improving the efficient, sustainable operation of communities by maintaining those principles within its own organization. Carbonfund.org congratulates NBS on its seventh year of carbon neutral operations.

Like many of us who’ve had the opportunity to travel to other countries, Scott Leonard was profoundly affected by his trip to South America back in 1993 where he encountered the priceless beauty of clothes produced by local artisans. The richness of the culture and the amazing knitting techniques prompted him to bring back more than a souvenir to his Northern California home. He returned with a vision to pioneer a new business model. He would invite customers to wear ethically made clothing—fashion that demonstrates a commitment to those who created the designs, as well as to the environment that supports us all.

Together, Scott and co-founder Matt Reynolds have helped form a scalable artisan network through the INDIGENOUS clothing line that reflects a commitment to sustainability, social entrepreneurship and responsible actions by consumers and business alike.

By designing clothes made with organic cotton and natural fibers, Scott and Matt hadn’t just made a smart move for the planet; they were making a savvy business decision as well. After all, organic clothes will never go out of fashion. That’s because organic clothing supports people and planet, keeping toxins off our bodies and out of our environment.

This year, INDIGENOUS expanded its environmental stewardship by joining the Carbonfree® Business Partnership program. Through Carbonfund.org’s carbon reduction and clean air projects, INDIGENOUS is able to neutralize its operational emissions while supporting innovations in energy efficiency, renewable energy and forestry preservation projects.

Earlier this spring, INDIGENOUS was recognized for its positive overall social and environmental impact, receiving a “best for the world” scoring in the top 10% among Certified B Corporations.

Scott Leonard and Matt Reynolds, along with their passionate tribe of “style ambassadors” and fair trade artisan partners, strive to transform the often opaque fashion industry into one respected for producing beautiful and trendy clothes through transparent, ethical and eco-friendly methods. Carbonfund.org is proud to partner with INDIGENOUS in its effort to lead the fashion industry towards sustainable business practices.

Earlier this month, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released their proposed Clean Power Plan. As readers of this blog are already aware, the Clean Power Plan proposes carbon emission standards for coal-fired power plants, which are the single largest source of carbon pollution in the U.S., generating approximately one-third of all domestic greenhouse gas emissions. Some specifics are that under the Clean Power Plan, states must expand their energy sources and use solar (photovoltaic and solar thermal), wind, geothermal, sustainably sourced biomass, biogas, and low-impact hydrology in order to decrease their carbon emissions.

Did you know that renewable energy technologies are characteristically more labor-intensive than intensely mechanized fossil fuel technologies? This means that the potential economic benefits may be substantial; not to mention the significant benefits for our climate and health.

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) estimated in 2009 that a national, renewable electricity standard attempting to cut 25% of carbon emissions by 2025 would generate 297,000 jobs, $263.4 billion in new capital investment, $13.5 billion in income to farmers, ranchers, and rural landowners, and $11.5 billion in new local tax revenues. Remember, the EPA proposed reducing carbon emissions from existing power plants by 30% below 2005 levels by 2030. So the potential economic benefits may increase over the UCS’s estimates.

With these figures, we’re not even taking into account a complete picture of the potential economic benefits from expanded renewable energy sources. Think about how direct job creation leads to indirect job creation. For example, when you hire additional employees, you may very well need a larger Human Resources staff.

All of this comes at a time when our country could deeply benefit from economic stimulation. The U.S. economy is still anemic, with unemployment rates remaining high, and a disturbing national debt that’s expected to reach $20 trillion by 2020. We must embrace win-win scenarios such as these that combine healing our ailing planet with economic recovery. It’s past time to forge the path to a low-carbon future.

Landfillart is an international effort encompassing 1,041 artists to repurpose a piece of rusted metal and create fine art from reclaimed automobile hub caps from the 1930’s through the 1970’s and turn them into “metal canvases”. Although most “metal canvases” have been transformed by the artist using oil or acrylic paint, some have been weaved on, glued or screwed or welded to, or made into fine sculpture.

“This project embodies several key components. It is a collective endeavor requesting artists, worldwide, to think green and create great art” explains Ken Marquis, gallery owner at Marquis Art & Frame, and founder of the project. “I’m hopeful, that upon completion, this project will weave a global tapestry which tells a compelling story of humanity; our similarities, our differences, and the common threads that binds us all.”

Since 2008, Landfillart Inc., funded by their partner company Marquis Art & Frame, has maintained a Carbonfree® Small Business Partnership with Carbonfund.org as part of his own operational sustainability commitment. “We are excited to partner with Carbonfund.org! Both organizations share the goal of reuse, albeit our focus is reusing rusty old scraps of metal,” says Ken. “Landfillart's mission is focused on funding reforestation with any future profits. By forming this partnership, Landfillart is one step closer!”

To date, Marquis Art & Frame’s donations to Carbonfund.org’s forestry projects have neutralized almost 450,000 pounds of carbon dioxide, the same quantity of carbon emissions sequestered by 5,000 tree seedlings grown over a ten-year period.

The ultimate goals of the Landfillart Project are to compile a collection of 1,041 completed hubcaps from artists from all of the 50 states and as many countries as possible. To date the collection consists of more than 1,000 works of art from 50 states and 56 countries. The final group of artists are hard at work completing their “hubcap art”.

Although awaiting the final projects, phase two is already underway. The first museum showing of Landfillart will be in September 2014. Second Time Around: The Hubcap as Art will include 287 objects from the Landfillart collection, representing every U.S. state and 35 other countries. This exciting premier exhibit will open September 6, 2014 at The Museum of the Shenandoah Valley in Winchester Virginia, details at www.theMSV.org

After the initial museum showing, an abbreviated version of the collection (35 objects) is scheduled to travel, beginning in 2015.

The final phase for the Landfillart collection is to publish a book highlighting all 1,041 completed works of art and their stories. Carbonfund.org is proud to partner with Ken Marquis and the Landfillart project in its efforts to raise awareness about environmental preservation through artistic repurposing.

Global experience is now a crucial component of a comprehensive university education—a true “must-have” for students and universities alike. For nearly 50 years, WorldStrides Capstone has partnered with the leading universities in the world to implement safe and substantive global study trips for students. Clients include more than 200 universities, including all of the top ten U.S.-based MBA programs and highly-ranked MBA programs from around the globe. They rely on WorldStrides for:

Turnkey travel logistics

Accredited academic content

Expert risk management

This year, WorldStrides teamed with the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and Carbonfund.org to offer students participating in the Fuqua GATE programs and the Kellogg GIM programs the option to neutralize the carbon emissions from their program-related flights. When students register for their program travel on WorldStrides’ online system, they are given the option to purchase flight-related carbon offsets. WorldStrides forwards all funds collected for flight emission offsets to Carbonfund.org, which neutralizes the emissions through internationally certified carbon emission reduction programs. These programs include alternative green energy projects and reforestation initiatives. The third-party verification and validation of Carbonfund.org’s sponsored carbon reduction projects assures that each individual student’s payment is used directly for their flight emissions offsets. And while Fuqua does not require students to purchase the carbon offset, they strongly encourage students to participate in their role as the next generation of business leaders and stewards of our environment and planet.

WorldStrides has coordinated programs for over 6 million student travelers in over 90 countries. WorldStrides Capstone programs promise life-changing experiences as a global citizen and access to corridors of power around the globe. Now, students can enhance their role as global citizens by improving the sustainability of their travel and study program by neutralizing flight emissions with WorldStrides and Carbonfund.org.

Americans eat a lot of sugar. According to a 2012 infographic from www.OnlineNursingPrograms.com, we consume about 130 pounds of sugar each year. And when I say sugar, I don’t just mean sugar from sugar cane. I am referring to corn syrup, which is used to sweeten our favorite soft drinks, of which the average American drinks 53 gallons per year. That sounds bad, and it is, but brain scans show that sugar is addictive as cocaine. Well, our national addiction is in major trouble from climate change.

Corn is the biggest agricultural crop in the U.S. It’s a $65-billion-a-year industry and global warming is putting it at a significant risk. A report released this week by Ceres, a coalition of investor and environmental groups, says that corn is at risk because its water demands are growing at a time when the threat of drought is increasing. Ceres said corn production particularly is in danger due to its tapping stressed aquifers as a water source. A couple that are especially relied upon are the High Plains aquifer, which covers eight Great Plains states, and the Central Valley aquifer in California.

Report author Brooke Barton, Water Program Director at Ceres, says, “Escalating corn production for our food, livestock and energy industries has put the corn sector on an unsustainable path.” The Midwest drought of 2012 pushed corn prices to record-level highs of $8 per bushel and according to the report are "a taste of what is predicted to become the new normal in many parts of the Corn Belt thanks to climate change.”

Rising corn prices also impact more than just the food industry. The transportation industry may also take a hit as corn production is affected by climate change. The crop is used to make ethanol, which is a fuel additive, and accounts for roughly 10% of the country’s fuel.

However, the largest use of corn in the U.S. is still for human consumption one way or another. Even if we’re not directly drinking it in soft drinks, it is still used a livestock feed. Soda manufacturers, such as leading beverage company Coca-Cola Co., could make a significant difference in sustainable corn production. Ceres says they could seek out suppliers of their agricultural ingredients who use less water and fertilizers.

Although, the good news to our waistlines is that U.S. consumption of carbonated soft drinks has been declining for a decade. Maybe we are starting to wean ourselves off of our sugar addiction after all. Either way, it is part of a group of addictions that our country needs to overcome. Using less is the best way to control carbon emissions.